Poiree had the courage to take on running the first tournament of the year, but how did she manage with 5ean's questions?
Out of 10 how would you rate yourself as a manager?
Well I guess 8. I am happy with the way I managed things in AO, but I think I am too nice and understanding sometimes. I think managers need to be stricter. And it was also hard making decisions about my matches as it is very hard to be objective in such cases.
What do you think people expect from the Tournament Manager?
I guess everyone expects a bit more than it is actually possible. It is nice to have a manager who is on 24/7 but I doubt any human can make it. Maybe we should get some robots to manage this. And another problem is that everyone expects you to make decisions in their favour whether they are right or wrong.
Do you prefer managing or competing? Why?
I think competing. It takes less time (kind of, since when I manage I also compete) and it is less stressful.
What is harder coming up with the tasks or making them?
It is the hardest making the tasks I set before realizing I would have to make them
Which set is hardest to set a task for?
I think banners.
What is the hardest thing about running a tournament?
Dealing with people sending after the deadline and deciding whether to extend it or not. Also sometimes it is difficult to say if a graphic fits the given task.
What is the most enjoyable thing about running a tournament?
I get to set the tasks
You have run a few now. Which was your favourite? Why?
I think my favourite was the Olympic tournament last year. As much as I remember we didn't have any scandals there. I think we did on most others... I guess the Olympic spirit calms people down. And there was also a big variety of tasks to be set there.
Are they any others you particularly want to run? Why?
I am looking forward to running the clay season as it is my favourite part of the actual tennis season.
What do you think is better to run singles or doubles? Why?
Singles as you have less graphics to deal with and no confusion in the third set when you have to decide who goes against who. I know there is a rule about that but I think managers still do get confused sometimes.
Given the choice would you run a normal tournament or a special exo?
Exos are more fun since you have a larger variety of tasks you can set. I think some of them are pretty demanding to run though (like the one we had before AO)
Who are the players that always send 1st, or does it vary?
I think it is usually Niya who sends first. I often receive her graphics an hour after setting the tasks. Sean is pretty quick too, unless he is away and sends them really late
When you have seen both sets of graphics is it easy to predict the winner?
I usually like one set of graphics more, but it is not rare that that one loses the match. I have said it a million times now: my taste is completely different than most voters in GMT.
Do you think the Manager should have the final decision or the board?
It is hard to say, but I think it should be the board unless they are involved in the problem.
What is your worst nightmare as a tournament manager?
Not getting graphics from either contestant in a certain match. In that case you can't even give a W/O and go on to the next round. You have to wait for days sometimes...
Would you encourage others to run tournaments?
Yes, but after they read all I've said above I doubt they will be encouraged. My suggestion to future managers would be to try and keep their emotions from getting in the way of their decisions.
Interview by: 5ean